REVIEWS

By Krizia Jade Pinara

MOVIE REVIEW

By Kher Tyson Bastinga

The Marsh King’s Daughter – Karen Dionne

THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER is a truly amazing novel—it has a compelling story and a successful quasi-retelling of a classic fairytale. Karen Dionne has the ability to weave the fairytale element into a modern suspense novel in a way that it felt authentic. This book shines most in Dionne’s portrayal of the main character’s mindset. Having grown up in captivity, yet unaware she was being held captive for much of her life, Helena’s way of interacting with the world is - needless to say - quite complicated. Dionne sketches a character who is authentically uncomfortable with social customs: things like small talk and table manners escape her, and for good reason. Growing up on the marsh, the only rules she knew were those made by her father. Dionne’s sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of how the main character struggles to integrate into and assimilate with modern American culture was truly compelling. Majority of the book takes place in flashbacks, and most of these flashbacks are focused on describing life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The author does a fantastic job developing this atmosphere and painting a picture of life on the marsh: from hunting, foraging, and survival skills, she convincingly describes life on the UP. This book suits readers who are looking for a story with lots of outdoor and culture-related things and less psychological suspense. The author does a great job creating atmosphere and writing a nuanced, sophisticated exploration of a survivor’s mindset. Readers with the right expectations will enjoy it.

Frozen 2

2 years ago, our inner childish selves were in awe with the movie that tells a tale of two sisters in the kingdom of Arendelle, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. This time, this much awaited sequel could be one or if not, the best Disney films this year. What is behind the magic of Queen Elsa? Where did it come from? Was it from her ancestors? There are hints of more magical beings and new characters that we are not familiar in the movie, how are they connected to Queen Elsa? How can the sisters find the answers? Let us see how they conquer the big unknown and discover answers of the things they wanted to know. Well, if you wanted to seize a good story, with unparalleled music, and heartbreaking scenes, then grab your movie buddy, and expect that you will laugh, love, and cry. Yet again another Disney movie will not fail to amaze us.

SERIES REVIEW

By Kristine Joy Dongogan

ALBUM REVIEW

By Gabrielle Ann Gonzales

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

What if one day you’ll wake up, a tragic incident had made your whole family left you? All you could do is to feel despair, fright and cry each sleepless nights.... Are you ready to carry the burden of this grievious past? Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese Weekly Shounen Jump manga art series by Koyoharu Gotouge. It as an anime television series directed by Haruo Sotozaki and adaptated by Ufotable which premeired on April 6, 2019. The story trailed a thirteen year old boy namely-Tanjiro who is already a main support of his family. He is living peacefully until he lost his whole family who was slaugthered by demons overnight. His sister, Nezuko survived but turned into a demon, and he aims to turn her back to being a human again. Although it is the first series by the maker, it does not disappoint with over 100 chapters and 26 series episodes which ended last September 28, 2019. Its genres are adventure, fiction and dark fantasy. The series has received Anime Awards, including Best TV Anime. Immediately following the airing of each episodes, a sequel film was announced and is scheduled to premiere in 2020. Despite the risk and danger that the character is facing, can he really won against demons in order to save her sister? Suffice your wonders and Watch now!

Limasawa Street – Ben&Ben

“Minsan siya’y para sa iyo, pero minsan siya’y paasa…” a line that hits hard from one of the most famous OPM songs of our time, Kathang Isip, by the 9-piece folk-pop band, Ben&Ben. If they have made our hearts cry, then we’d be crying a bit harder with their debut album Limasawa Street. This 13-track album was released on May 12, 2019. What makes this worth listening to is the different stories that each track offers, Pagtingin is a song about being certain of love at the right time. They also have touched the souls in their song, Godsent, which is perfect for the dream wedding come true. Not only are their songs about love for a significant other, but also love for the country in the music of Sampaguita. To sum this all up, Ben&Ben has not failed to greatly impress the music industry of OPM, this is one step for us, Filipinos, to love our own.